Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

February 15th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 7th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Obergefreiter der Reserve

Unit:

MG-Schütze 6. / Grenadier-Regiment 365 / 211.Infanterie-Division / LV.Armee-Korps / 2.Panzer-Armee / Heeresgruppe Mitte

Awarded on:

August 17th, 1943

On the 11.07.1943 the Soviets attacked the positions of the Grenadier-Regiment 365 (northwest of Orel) with a division of their own. They were aided here by the dense brush and numerous gullies, which enabled them to approach the German lines with abundant quantities of cover. Among the defenders was machine-gunner Bonk and 7 soldiers from his squad, who fought bitterly to repel the attackers from a forward trench.

When a group of Soviet soldiers moved to bypass him Bonk realized that he could not get a good field of fire from his position. Thus, in the midst of heavy mortar fire, he repositioned his MG position further to the left on his own initiative. From here he was able to pour deadly fire into the advancing Soviets from the flank. By constantly repositioning and then fighting with his MG he was able to smash several Soviet companies over the course of two days and nights.

The Soviets eventually suspended their attacks in this sector, and Bonk would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for his actions here.

1988th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel der Reserve

Unit:

Zugführer 6. / Grenadier-Regiment 365 / 211.Infanterie-Division / LVI.Panzer-Korps / 2.Armee / Heeresgruppe Mitte

Awarded on:

June 9th, 1944

On the 31.03.1944 the Grenadier-Regiment 365 began a relief attack towards Kovel from its own positions north of the city. During this time Feldwebel and Zugführer Bonk was able to spot an enemy company that intended to thrust into the flank and rear of his own II. Bataillon just in the nick of time. He thus deviated from his assigned mission and engaged this enemy on his own initiative, and after a short while he managed to conclude the battle successfully. Bonk received a serious head injury during this battle, however by then his actions were deemed to be sufficient enough to justify the award of the Oakleaves to him.

492nd Award.